NASA SLS rocket could put life on Mars (and save an embattled agency)

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A further LH2/LOX engine will be used in the upper stages to send astronauts on interplanetary missions.

Mission to Mars

When discussing the SLS, it’s important to be clear about what it’s meant to do – and what it’s not.

It’s not designed (as some commentary has suggested) simply as a supply craft for the International Space Station. Rather, there’s a real hope the ISS can soon be handed over to commercial companies such as SpaceX.

The SLS is designed specifically, and solely, to take astronauts away from Earth to explore the solar system.

Will we ever see the SLS?

There is generalised support from Congress and the Obama administration for this new project. But the real question space professionals and members of the general public have to ask is whether NASA will be able to stay the course.

Asteroids, Deimos, Mars and beyond? The SLS could take us further than ever before.NASA